Joshua Van takes a jab at Pantoja when commenting on a possible title rematch: 'Better drink milk'

Joshua Van in face with Alexandre pantoja Inside the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Joshua Van he didn't miss the opportunity to talk about Alexandre pantoja after successfully defending the flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) belt in UFC 328Last Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the champion defeated Tatsuro Taira He was knocked out in the fifth round and, shortly after the event, spoke about a possible rematch against the Brazilian. Besides provoking the former king of the division, the Burmese fighter also showed annoyance with recent statements made by the Rio native regarding their first fight.

Van won the belt at UFC 323 in December 2025, by winning Alexandre pantoja in just 26 seconds. On that occasion, the Brazilian suffered a serious arm injury while trying to defend a takedown by his rival, ending the fight unexpectedly via technical knockout.

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With the likelihood of Pantoja receiving an immediate rematch once he recovers, Joshua Van took advantage of the post- press conferenceUFC 328 to send a message to the former champion.

"Yeah, you better go drink some milk, man," Van said when commenting on a possible rematch against Pantoja.

Joshua Van states that there is nothing personal against Pantoja.

Alexandre pantoja e Joshua Van They are the co-main event of UFC 323. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

At the post-UFC 328Van revealed irritation with some recent interviews given by Pantoja, in which the Brazilian would have minimized the current champion's victory. However, even bothered by the statements, the Burmese guaranteed that there is no rivalry between the two and commented that he met the Brazilian backstage at the event last Saturday (9).

"He also apologized, we talked and everything. But then, three months later, he started giving interviews saying some things. His ego got hurt, so now he's saying a lot of nonsense. I don't know what happened to him…"

"I saw him yesterday. There's no hatred on my part. I spoke with him, shook his hand, but I don't know what's going through his head," the champion said at the press conference.